Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

9/10

Working within the business, learning the skills needed to pursue a career within aeronautical engineering. The training is a great transition from theoritcal to practical application of engineering principals. I currently work within Materials Engineering and am using skills and knowledge obtained through materials and chemistry education. The work is varied and cements a foundation for my career.

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

8/10

I have learnt and used a number of analysis and investigative techniques, practical engineering techniques and hand skills. Through this the skills of self discipline and the accuracy of my work has been developed.

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

8/10

The programme is varied and the work content is always interesting. you can only hope to achieve all you put your mind to in this programme, the more you put in, the more you will get back.

4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?

8/10

BAE Systems highly values its apprentices and this is very apparent with the way we are treated within the differing areas, if you are willing to put the work in and learn then you fast become a valued member of the teams. Many of the high level staff are ex-apprentices and therefore they are passionate to develop the apprentice workforce.

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

7/10

The programme is well structure and the content is well structured. My only piece of the puzzle that i feel could be improved at times is communication however this is largely done well.

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

8/10

The training provider is very supportive both with work and with extra curricular activities that they deem would be beneficial to our development.

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

7/10

The employer is keen to support us in any way that they feel is going to benefit our development. The support recieved to date has been very good.

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

7/10

Of course it would always be asked to be greater but the salary is extremely good for an apprenticeship and the benefits such as pension and share schemes are very advantageous.

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

8/10

yes, the company is keen to support the work of institutions such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology, this opportunity gives a wider knowledge of engineering and is a good source of knowledge progression. Charity events and skills events are also very well established within the apprenticeship.

9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend? *

Yes

9b. Why? *

The content and application of the course is second to none. The business values it's apprentices and there is a great deal of progression available.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems? *

Work hard to gain a knowledge of the business both past and future. have a knowledge of the sector of industry BAE Systems falls under and you will have a good basis for an interview. Try to make yourself stand out, Duke of Edinburgh or other such qualification show a level of commitment which is desirable.